Amanda credits her longtime band for being a huge support to her career. “They are world class musicians who I feel lucky to play with. Each one contributes to our overall sound.” Her band features her long time guitarist and now-producer Kevin Laliberté, husband/bassist Drew Birston, and Cuban Canadians Rosendo “Chendy” Leon (percussion), Alexander Brown (trumpet), Osvaldo Rodriguez (violin) and Pablosky Rosales (tres).
Her songs have been selected for four Putumayo world music collections: Bossanova Around the World, Latin Dreamland, Cafe Latino and Mexico.
Career highlights include headlining the Blue Note jazz club in NYC, the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the Pan American Games in Mexico and Canada. She has also been a guest recording and touring artist of award winning guitarist Jesse Cook. She has sold out Toronto’s Koerner Hall multiple times and Ottawa’s National Arts Centre and Winter Garden Theatre.
Amanda has been recognized with multiple nominations as Latin Jazz Artist of the Year (Canada’s National Jazz Awards) Best World Music Artist (Canadian Folk Music Awards) and won Best World Music Artist (Toronto Independent Music Awards).
Her albums have reached the top 10 of iTunes World Music charts. Amanda has worked as a radio host (launching Canada’s Latin Jazz program) TV personality (BRAVO Arts & Minds, Star TV!) and actress (including Designated Survivor, Regenesis and Suits).
She hosted Panamania during CBC’s coverage of the PanAm Games and the web series Ingredients for a Good Life, showcasing Mexico to Canadians. Ms. Martinez is a musical ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages Canada and was awarded Top 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians by the Hispanic Congress.
She is passionate about empowering artist entrepreneurs through her workshop series The Artist Office.
Amanda lives in Toronto with her husband and 3 young children. She holds a Master’s in International Business.
Visit Amanda’s Website: www.amandamartinez.ca